Which bottle features affect changeover?
Changeover is affected by the bottle height, body diameter, base stability, shoulder profile, neck opening, weight, label position and whether the bottle is round, square, flat or unusually shaped. The smallest, largest and least stable bottle usually matter more than the average format.
- Height and body diameter range
- Neck opening and shoulder profile
- Base stability and centre of gravity
- Label panel and adhesive location
- Bottle material and sidewall stiffness
- Need for internal, external or combined washing
Which machine parts may need adjustment or replacement?
The parts that may need adjustment or replacement depend on the selected machine. Common review points include side guides, star wheels, rotary pockets, bottle clamps, nozzle positions, drying-air direction, transfer points and guarding access. Lancing should confirm the actual list against the machine and samples.
- Guides and bottle supports
- Nozzle or spray positions
- Rotary pockets or holding parts
- Drying-air guides where fitted
- Infeed/outfeed transfer settings
- Inspection and reject positions
How should a changeover be accepted?
A changeover should be accepted by running representative bottles after the adjustment and checking handling stability, wash coverage, moisture condition, reject function and downstream transfer. The acceptance check should be short enough for production but specific enough to catch the failures that matter.
- Run the smallest and largest formats
- Check internal and external wash coverage
- Confirm drain/dry condition where relevant
- Check transfer to filler, capper or labeller
- Record the final settings and any parts changed